At least 42 United States military aircraft, including fighter jets, surveillance aircraft and drones, were lost or damaged during the Iran war, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS).
According to international media reports citing the CRS assessment, the list includes F-15E Strike Eagles, one F-35A Lightning II, MQ-9 Reaper drones, KC-135 refuelling aircraft, E-3 Sentry surveillance planes and other military assets.
The report noted that the losses were not limited to aircraft shot down in combat, but also included aircraft damaged during operations, destroyed on the ground, or lost in other conflict-related incidents.
Reports said the findings were compiled using Pentagon statements, updates from US Central Command and media reports. However, the CRS reportedly noted uncertainty over whether the full extent of aircraft losses had been disclosed by the US Department of Defense.
The reported losses are expected to intensify scrutiny over the military and financial cost of the conflict, with some estimates placing the value of damaged and lost assets in the billions of dollars. (Newswire)